Fluorinated ether compound, fluorinated ether composition and coating liquid, and substrate having surface-treated layer and method for its production

ABSTRACT

To provide a fluorinated ether compound, a fluorinated ether composition and a coating liquid, whereby it is possible to form a surface-treated layer which has high initial water/oil repellency and which is excellent in abrasion resistance and finger print stain removability, and a substrate having a surface-treated layer and a method for its production. 
     A fluorinated ether compound which has a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) having a structure of block (α)-block (β) or a structure of block (β)-block (α)-block (β), formed by linking a block (α) comprising at least three C 1-3  oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type and a block (β) having C 4-15  oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type, wherein the proportion of the C 4-15  oxyperfluoroalkylene units is at least 30 mol % among all oxyperfluoroalkylene units constituting the block (β), and which has a hydrolysable silyl group on at least one terminal of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) via a linking group.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fluorinated ether compound, a fluorinated ether composition or a coating liquid containing such a fluorinated ether compound, which is useful for surface treatment to impart water/oil repellency to a substrate surface. The present invention relates also to a method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer by using such a compound, a fluorinated ether composition or a coating liquid, and a substrate having a surface-treated layer produced by such a method.

BACKGROUND ART

A fluorinated compound is useful as a surface treating agent since it has high lubricity, water/oil repellency, etc. By imparting water/oil repellency to a substrate surface by such a surface treating agent, stains on the substrate surface will easily be wiped off, and stain removability will be improved. Among such fluorinated compounds, a fluorinated ether compound having a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain in which an ether bond (—O—) is present in the middle of a perfluoroalkyl chain is particularly excellent in the fat and oil stain removability.

A surface treating agent containing such a fluorinated ether compound is useful in applications wherein it is desired to maintain a performance (abrasion resistance) whereby the water/oil repellency is less likely to be reduced even if repeatedly rubbed by fingers, and a performance (fingerprint stain removability) whereby fingerprints deposited on a surface can easily be removed by wiping, for a long period of time, e.g. as a surface treating agent for a member constituting a surface to be touched by a finger, of a touch panel.

As such fluorinated ether compounds, specifically, fluorinated ether compounds of the following (1) to (4) are known.

(1) A fluorinated ether compound having a structure wherein (CF₂O) units and (CF₂CF₂O) units are randomly linked, and having a hydrolysable silyl group at a terminal (Patent Document 1)

(2) A fluorinated ether compound having a structure wherein at least two types of units selected from the group consisting of (CF₂O) units, (CF₂CF₂O) units, (CF₂CF₂CF₂O) units and (CF(CF₃)CF₂O) units are randomly linked, and having a hydrolysable silyl group at a terminal (Patent Documents 2 to 5)

(3) A fluorinated ether compound having a structure wherein only (CF₂CF₂CF₂O) units or (CF(CF₃)CF₂O) units are linked, and having a hydrolysable silyl group at a terminal (Patent Documents 6 and 7)

(4) A fluorinated ether compound having a structure wherein only (CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O) units are linked, and having a hydrolysable silyl group at a terminal (Patent Document 8)

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4,138,936 -   Patent Document 2: JP-A-2008-534696 -   Patent Document 3: WO2011/060047 -   Patent Document 4: WO2011/059430 -   Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent No. 2,874,715 -   Patent Document 6: JP-A-2000-144097 -   Patent Document 7: JP-A-11-029585 -   Patent Document 8: JP-A-2002-506887

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

According to findings by the present inventor, the fluorinated ether compound of (1) is relatively good in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability, but is sometimes inadequate in water/oil repellency at the initial stage before repeated abrasion.

The fluorinated ether compound of (2) is improved in water/oil repellency at the initial stage as compared with the fluorinated ether compound of (1), but is still sometimes inadequate, and in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability, it is inferior to the fluorinated ether compound of (1).

The fluorinated ether compounds of (3) and (4) are excellent in water/oil repellency at the initial stage, but are inadequate in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluorinated ether compound, a fluorinated ether composition and a coating liquid, containing the fluorinated ether compound, whereby it is possible to form a surface-treated layer having high initial water/oil repellency and being excellent in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a substrate having a surface-treated layer having high initial water/oil repellency and being excellent in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability, and a method for its production.

Solution to Problem

The present invention provides a fluorinated ether compound, a fluorinated ether composition and a coating liquid, and a substrate having a surface-treated layer and a method for its production, with the following constructions [1] to [15].

[1] A fluorinated ether compound which has a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) having a structure of block (α)-block (β) or a structure of block (β)-block (α)-block (β), formed by linking a block (α) comprising at least three C₁₋₃ oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type and a block (β) having C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type, wherein the proportion of the C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units is at least 30 mol % among all oxyperfluoroalkylene units constituting the block (β), and which has a hydrolysable silyl group on at least one terminal of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) via a linking group. [2] The fluorinated ether compound according to [1], wherein a C₁₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group or a C₂₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom is bonded via an oxygen atom to the carbon atom at one end of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ), and the hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via the linking group to the oxygen atom at the other end of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ). [3] The fluorinated ether compound according to [2], wherein the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) is a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain having a structure of block (α)-block (β), and the hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via the linking group to the oxygen atom of the block (β). [4] The fluorinated ether compound according to [1], wherein the hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via the linking group to each end of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ). [5] The fluorinated ether compound according to any one of [1] to [4], which has a number average molecular weight of from 2,000 to 10,000. [6] The fluorinated ether compound according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the block (β) has (CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O) units. [7] A fluorinated ether composition containing at least 95 mass % of the fluorinated ether compound as defined in any one of [1] to [6]. [8] A coating liquid comprising the fluorinated ether compound as defined in any one of [1] to [6], and a medium. [9] The coating liquid according to [8], wherein the medium contains at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of a fluorinated alkane, a fluorinated aromatic compound, a fluoroalkyl ether, and a non-fluorinated organic solvent being a compound composed solely of hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms and oxygen atoms. [10] A method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer, which comprises a step of applying the fluorinated ether compound as defined in any one of [1] to [6] or the fluorinated ether composition as defined in [7] to the surface of a substrate by vacuum deposition. [11] A method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer, which comprises a step of applying the coating liquid as defined in [8] or [9] to the surface of a substrate, followed by dying. [12] The method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer according to [11], wherein the method of applying the coating liquid to the surface of the substrate is a spin coating method, a wipe coating method, a spray coating method, a squeegee coating method, a dip coating method, a die coating method, an ink jet method, a flow coating method, a roll coating method, a casting method, a Langmuir-Blodgett method or a gravure coating method. [13] The method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer according to any one of [10] to [12], wherein the material for the substrate is a metal, a resin, glass, a ceramic or a composite material thereof. [14] A substrate having a surface-treated layer, obtained by treatment with the fluorinated ether composition as defined in [7]. [15] A touch panel having, on its input screen, the substrate having a surface-treated layer, obtained by treatment with the fluorinated ether composition as defined in [7].

Advantageous Effects of Invention

By the fluorinated ether compound, the fluorinated ether composition and the coating liquid, containing the fluorinated ether compound, of the present invention, it is possible to form a surface-treated layer having high initial water/oil repellency and being excellent in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability.

The substrate having a surface-treated layer of the present invention has a surface-treated layer having high initial water/oil repellency and being excellent in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability.

According to the method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer of the present invention, it is possible to produce a substrate having a surface-treated layer having high initial water/oil repellency and being excellent in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In this specification, a compound represented by the formula (1) will be referred to as a compound (1). Compounds and precursors represented by other formulae will be referred to in the same manner.

In the present invention, the main chain is a linear molecular chain whereby all molecular chains other than the main chain would be deemed to be side chains.

In the present invention, a hydrolysable silyl group is a group capable of forming a silanol group (Si—OH) when hydrolyzed. For example, —SiL_(m)R_(3-m) in the formula (1) may be mentioned.

In the present invention, an etheric oxygen atom is an oxygen atom to form an ether bond (—O—) between carbon-carbon atoms.

In the present invention, a linking group is a group to link a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylne) chain (αβ) and a hydrolysable silyl group, and is, for example, a group having —SiL_(m)R_(3-m) excluded from B in the formula (1), and such a group itself may have other oxyperfluoroalkylene group not belonging to the above poly(oxyperfluoroalkylne) chain (αβ). Further, hereinafter, a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylne) chain (αβ) will be referred to also as a “chain (αβ)”.

In the present invention, the number average molecular weight of a fluorinated ether compound is calculated by the following method using a NMR analysis.

It is calculated by obtaining the number (average value) of oxyperfluoroalkylne units by using a terminal group as a standard, by means of ¹H-NMR (solvent: deuterated acetone, internal standard: TMS) and ¹⁹F-NMR (solvent: deuterated acetone, internal standard: CFCl₃). The terminal group is, for example, A or B in the formula (1).

In the present invention, a chemical formula of an oxyperfluoroalkylene unit shall be presented so that its oxygen atom be on the right-hand side of the perfluoroalkylene group. Each of a block (α) and a block (β) is a bivalent group formed by repetition of an oxyperfluoroalkylene unit, wherein one of the two terminals is a connecting bond bonded to a carbon atom and the other is a connecting bond of an oxygen atom. A chemical formula of such a block shall be presented so that the terminal oxygen atom be on the right-hand side. A poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) formed by linkage of the above blocks, is also a linear bivalent group, wherein one of the two terminals is a connecting bond bonded to a carbon atom (the carbon atom having this connecting bond will be referred to as a terminal carbon atom) and the other is a connecting bond of an oxygen atom (the oxygen atom having this connecting bond will be referred to as a terminal oxygen atom). A chemical formula of a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) shall also be presented so that the terminal oxygen atom be on the right-hand side.

In the present invention, a surface-treated layer is a layer formed on the surface of a substrate, by surface treatment of the substrate with the fluorinated ether compound, the fluorinated ether composition or the coating liquid of the present invention.

[Fluorinated Ether Compound]

The fluorinated ether compound of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present compound) is a compound having a structure of block (α)-block (β), or a compound having a structure of block (β)-block (α)-block (β). Hereinafter, the former will be referred to as the first embodiment of the present compound, and the latter will be referred to as the second embodiment of the present compound.

The present compound has a hydrolysable silyl group on at least one terminal of the chain (αβ) via a linking group. The chain (αβ) is present preferably in the main chain. The number of hydrolysable silyl groups bonded to a linking group may be two or more, and is preferably from 1 to 3, more preferably 1 or 2, particularly preferably 1. The linking group is a polyvalent group having one connecting bond bonded to the chain (αβ) side and at least one connecting bond bonded to a silicon atom in the hydrolysable silyl group, and in a case where the number of hydrolysable silyl groups bonded to the linking group is 1, the linking group is a bivalent group. The connecting bond of the linking group bonded to the chain (αβ) side, is a connecting bond of a carbon atom when the linking group is bonded to a terminal oxygen atom of the chain (αβ) and is a connecting bond of an oxygen atom when the linking group is bonded to a terminal carbon atom of the chain (αβ). The connecting bond of the linking group bonded to a silicon atom of a hydrolysable silyl group is a connecting bond of a carbon atom.

In a case where the present compound does not have a hydrolysable silyl group via a linking group at one terminal of the chain (αβ), it has a monovalent organic group at that terminal. In a case where a monovalent organic group is bonded to a terminal carbon atom of the chain (αβ), it is bonded via an oxygen atom. In a case where a monovalent organic group is bonded to a terminal oxygen atom of the chain (αβ), the monovalent organic group is preferably an organic group wherein the terminal is a carbon atom. As such an organic group, a perfluoroalkyl group or a perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom is preferred.

First Embodiment

The first embodiment of the present compound of the present invention is a compound which has a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) having a structure of block (α)-block (β), formed by linking a block (α) comprising at least three C₁₋₃ oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type and a block (β) having C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type, wherein the proportion of the C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units is at least 30 mol % among all oxyperfluoroalkylene units constituting the block (β), and which has a hydrolysable silyl group on at least one terminal of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) via a linking group. The chain (αβ) is present preferably in the main chain.

The present compound may have other oxyperfluoroalkylene groups not belonging to the chain (αβ).

The present compound may have a hydrolysable silyl group via a linking group at one terminal of the chain (αβ), or may have a hydrolysable silyl group via a linking group at each terminal of the chain (αβ). With a view to sufficiently imparting abrasion resistance to the surface-treated layer, it preferably has a hydrolysable silyl group only at one terminal of the chain (αβ).

The present compound may be a single compound or a mixture of two or more types different in the chain (αβ), the terminal group, the linking group, etc.

The block (α) is a block comprising at least three C₁₋₃ oxyperfluoroalkylene units. Such a block may be constituted solely by oxyperfluoroalkylene units of one type having the same number of carbon atoms, or may be constituted by oxyperfluoroalkylene units of two or three types different in the number of carbon atoms.

The block (β) is a block having C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units, wherein the proportion of the C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units is at least 30 mol % among all oxyperfluoroalkylene units constituting the block (β). Such a block may be constituted solely by oxyperfluoroalkylene units of one type having the same number of carbon atoms, or may be constituted by oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least two types different in the number of carbon atoms. Further, such a block may have C₁₋₃ oxyperfluoroalkylene units.

The block (β) is preferably one having (CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O) units, since it is thereby possible to impart sufficiently high initial water/oil repellency to the surface-treated layer.

The present compound has the block (α) whereby the abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability of the surface-treated layer will be excellent, and it has the block (β) whereby the initial water/oil repellency of the surface-treated layer will be excellent.

The present compound is preferably a compound wherein to a carbon atom at one end of the chain (αβ), a C₁₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group, or a C₂₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom, is bonded via an oxygen atom, and to an oxygen atom at the other end of the chain (αβ), a hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via a linking group. By such a construction, the initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability at the surface-treated layer will be further improved.

The first embodiment of the present compound is preferably a compound wherein in the chain (αβ), a hydrolysable silyl group is bonded to an oxygen atom of a block (αβ) via a linking group. In other words, a compound wherein a perfluoroalkyl group is bonded to a carbon atom of a block (α) via an oxygen atom, is preferred. By such a construction, the abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability at the surface-treated layer will be further improved. The reason is considered to be such that a block (α) to impart the abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer may be present on the side close to the surface of the surface-treated layer.

When the present compound has a perfluoroalkyl group at its terminal, the initial water/oil repellency at the surface-treated layer will be further improved.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present compound of the present invention is a compound which has a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) having a structure of block (β)-block (α)-block (β), formed by linking a block (α) comprising at least three C₁₋₃ oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type and a block (β) having C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type, wherein the proportion of the C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units is at least 30 mol % among all oxyperfluoroalkylene units constituting the block (β), and which has a hydrolysable silyl group on at least one terminal of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) via a linking group.

The present compound may have other oxyperfluoroalkylene groups not belonging to the chain (αβ).

The present compound may have a hydrolysable silyl group via a linking group at one terminal of the chain (αβ) or may have a hydrolysable silyl group via a linking group at each terminal of the chain (αβ). With a view to sufficiently imparting abrasion resistance to the surface-treated layer, it preferably has a hydrolysable silyl group via a linking group at each terminal of the chain (αβ).

The present compound may be a single compound or a mixture of two or more types different in the chain (αβ), the terminal group, the linking group, etc.

The block (α) and the block (β) are the same as in the first embodiment.

The second embodiment of the present compound is preferably a compound wherein at each end of the chain (αβ), a hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via a linking group. When a hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via a linking group at each end of the chain (αβ), a block (β) will be on the side close to the substrate, and as a result, a block (α) to impart the abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer may be present on the side close to the surface of the surface-treated layer. By such a construction, the initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability at the surface-treated layer will be further improved.

Common to First and Second Embodiments

The number average molecular weight of the present compound is preferably from 2,000 to 10,000. When the number average molecular weight is within such a range, the present compound is excellent in the abrasion resistance. The number average molecular weight of the present compound is more preferably from 2,100 to 9,000, particularly preferably from 2,400 to 8,000.

Usually, it is considered that with a fluorinated ether compound, the chemical bond to a substrate becomes strong as the number average molecular weight decreases. The reason is considered to be such that the number of hydrolysable silyl groups increases per unit molecular weight. However, the present inventors have confirmed that if the number average molecular weight is less than the lower limit value within the above range, the abrasion resistance is likely to decrease. Further, if the number average molecular weight exceeds the upper limit value within the above range, the abrasion resistance decreases. The reason is considered to be such that the influence due to a decrease in the number of hydrolysable silyl groups present per unit molecular weight tends to be large.

The present compound has a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain, whereby the content of fluorine atoms is large. Further, as mentioned above, it has a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) wherein a block (α) to impart abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer and a block (β) to impart high initial water/oil repellency to the surface-treated layer are linked. Therefore, the present compound is capable of forming a surface-treated layer having high initial water/oil repellency and being excellent in abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability.

In surface treatment with the present compound, the fluorinated ether composition or the coating liquid, as described later, silanol groups (Si—OH) will be formed by a hydrolytic reaction of hydrolysable silyl groups (—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)) in the present compound, and such silanol groups will be intermolecularly reacted to form Si—O—Si bonds, or such silanol groups will undergo a dehydration-condensation reaction with hydroxy groups (substrate-OH) at the surface of a substrate to form chemical bonds (substrate-O—Si). That is, the surface-treated layer in the present invention contains the present compound in such a state that some or all of hydrolysable silyl groups in the present compound are hydrolyzed.

Compound (1)

A preferred embodiment of the first embodiment of the present compound is specifically represented by the following formula (1).

A-O—[{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}]—B  (1)

Here, the symbols in the formula (1) are as follows.

x1: an integer of at least 3.

x2 to x3: x2 is an integer of 0 or at least 1, x3 is an integer of at least 1, and x3/(x2+x3)×100 is at least 30.

R^(f1): C₁₋₃ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type

R^(f2): C₁₋₃ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type

R^(f3): C₄₋₁₅ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type

A: a C₁₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group, a C₂₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom, or B

B: a group represented by one of the following formulae (2-1) to (2-4)

—R^(f4)CX₂O(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (2-1)

—R^(f4)CX₂OCH₂CH(CH₃)—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (2-2)

—R^(f4)C(═O)NHC_(k)H_(2k)—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (2-3)

—R^(f4)(CH₂)₂—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (2-4)

Here, the symbols in the formulae (2-1) to (2-4) are as follows.

R^(f4): a C₁₋₂₀ perfluoroalkylene group which may have an etheric oxygen atom

X: a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom

L: a hydrolysable group

R: a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group

k: an integer of at least 1

m: an integer of from 1 to 3

<Block (α)>

In the formula (1), the block (α) is the portion represented by {(R^(f1)O_(x1)}.

x1 is an integer of at least 3. With a view to imparting sufficient abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer, it is preferably an integer of at least 4, particularly preferably an integer of at least 5. If the number average molecular weight of the compound (1) is too large, the number of hydrolysable silyl groups present per unit molecular weight decreases and the abrasion resistance decreases, and therefore, the upper limit of x1 is preferably 20, particularly preferably 15.

R^(f1) is a C₁₋₃ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type. From the viewpoint of the thermal or chemical stability of the compound (1), R^(f1) is preferably a C₂₋₃ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type, and with a view to imparting sufficient abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer, it is particularly preferably a C₂ perfluoroalkylene group. In a case where the number of carbon atoms is 2 or 3, R^(f1) may be linear or branched. With a view to imparting abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer, it is preferably linear i.e. CF₂CF₂ or CF₂CF₂CF₂.

In a case where in a block (α), two or three types of (R^(f1)O) units different in the number of carbon atoms are present, the bonding order of the respective (R^(f1)O) units is not limited.

<Block (β)>

In the formula (1), the block (β) is the portion represented by {(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}.

x2 is an integer of 0 or at least 1. With a view to imparting sufficient initial liquid repellency to the surface-treated layer, it is preferably an integer of from 0 to 10, and from the viewpoint of efficiency for industrial production of the compound (1), it is preferably the same number as x3.

x3 is an integer of at least 1. With a view to imparting sufficient initial liquid repellency to the surface-treated layer, it is preferably an integer of at least 3, particularly preferably at least 5. If the number average molecular weight of the compound (1) is too large, the number of hydrolysable silyl groups present per unit molecular weight decreases and the abrasion resistance decreases, and therefore, the upper limit of x3 is preferably 45, particularly preferably 30.

x3/(x2+x3)×100 is at least 30, preferably at least 50, with a view to imparting sufficient initial liquid repellency to the surface-treated layer. That is, the proportion of (R^(f3)O) units in a block (β) is preferably at least 50 mol % among all oxyperfluoroalkylene groups.

R^(f2) is a C₁₋₃ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type. From the viewpoint of the thermal or chemical stability of the compound (1), R^(f2) is preferably a C₂₋₃ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type, and from the viewpoint of efficiency for industrial production of the compound (1), it is particularly preferably a C₂ perfluoroalkylene group. In a case where the number of carbon atoms is 2 or 3, R^(f2) may be linear or branched. With a view to imparting initial water/oil repellency to the surface-treated layer, it is preferably linear i.e. CF₂CF₂ or CF₂CF₂CF₂.

R^(f3) is a C₄₋₁₅ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type. With a view to imparting initial water/oil repellency to the surface-treated layer, it is preferably a C₄₋₆ perfluoroalkylene group of at least one type, particularly preferably a C₄ perfluoroalkylene group. R^(f3) may be linear or branched. With a view to imparting initial water/oil repellency to the surface-treated layer, it is preferably linear i.e. CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂, CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂ or CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂.

In a block (β), the bonding order of (R^(f2)O) units and (R^(f3)O) units is not limited. Here, from the viewpoint of efficiency for industrial production of the compound (1) and with a view to imparting initial water/oil repellency to the surface-treated layer, it is preferred that one type of (R^(f2)O) unit and one type of (R^(f3)O) unit are alternately arranged, and it is particularly preferred that a (CF₂CF₂O) unit and a (CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O) unit are alternately arranged.

<Poly(Oxyperfluoroalkylene) Chain (αβ)>

In the formula (1), the chain (αβ) is the portion represented by [{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}].

In the chain (αβ), the bonding order of blocks (α) and (β) is not limited.

It is preferred that A-O is bonded to a carbon atom of a block (α) and B is bonded to an oxygen atom of a block (β), since it is thereby possible to further efficiently obtain both the characteristics due to the block (α) and the characteristics due to the block (β).

As the chain (αβ), the following are preferred from the viewpoint of efficiency in the industrial production of the compound (1) and with a view to sufficiently imparting initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer.

[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11))}{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]

[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13))}{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x22)}]

[{(CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x14))}{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x23)}]

Here, x11 is an integer of from 5 to 13, x12 is an integer of from 1 to 20, x13 is an integer of from 1 to 10, x14 is an integer of from 3 to 10, x21 is an integer of from 5 to 20, x22 is an integer of from 5 to 20, and x23 is an integer of from 5 to 20.

<Group A>

A is a C₁₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group, a C₂₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom, or B. From the viewpoint of abrasion resistance, a C₁₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group, or a C₂₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom, is preferred. The perfluoroalkyl group may be linear or branched.

Here, according to the expression of a chemical formula in the present invention, the left-hand side of a chain (αβ) is a connecting bond of a carbon atom, and therefore, in a case where A is placed on the left-hand side of the chemical formula as shown in the above formula (1), A is expressed as bonded to the chain (αβ) via an oxygen atom. On the other hand, in a case where A is placed on the right-hand side of the chemical formula, i.e. in the case of an expression wherein A is bonded to a terminal oxygen atom of the chain (αβ), A is expressed as directly bonded to the terminal oxygen atom of the chain (αβ) without via an oxygen atom.

The following may be mentioned as specific examples of A.

As a C₁₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group,

CF₃—,

CF₃CF₂—,

CF₃(CF₂)₂—,

CF₃(CF₂)₃—,

CF₃(CF₂)₄—,

CF₃(CF₂)₅—,

CF₃CF(CF₃)—, etc.

As a C₂₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom,

CF₃OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃O(CF₂—,

CF₃O(CF₂)₄—,

CF₃O(CF₂)₅—,

CF₃OCF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃CF₂OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃CF₂O(CF₂)₃—,

CF₃CF₂O(CF₂)₄—,

CF₃CF₂OCF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃(CF₂)₂OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃(CF₂)₂O(CF₂)₃—,

CF₃(CF₂)₂OCF(CF₃)CF₂—,

CF₃CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃CF(CF₃)O(CF₂)₃—,

CF₃CF(CF₃)OCF(CF₃)CF₂—,

CF₃(CF₂)₃OCF₂CF₂—, etc.

As A, the following are preferred with a view to sufficiently imparting initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer.

CF₃—,

CF₃CF₂—,

CF₃(CF₂)₂—,

CF₃OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃OCF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃CF₂OCF₂CF₂—,

CF₃CF₂O(CF₂)₃—,

CF₃CF₂O(CF₂)₄—,

CF₃CF₂OCF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂—,

<Group B>

The compound (1) has B at one end or both ends of the chain (αβ). When two B are present in one molecule, they may be the same or different. Here, as mentioned above, according to the expression of a chemical formula in the present invention, in a case where B is placed on the left-hand side of the chemical formula, B is expressed as bonded to the terminal carbon atom of the chain (αβ) via an oxygen atom.

B is a group represented by one of the formulae (2-1) to (2-4), and the compound (1) has a hydrolysable silyl group represented by —SiL_(m)R_(3-m) at its terminal. From the viewpoint of handling efficiency in the industrial production, a group represented by the formula (2-3) is particularly preferred.

Hereinafter, a compound (1) wherein B is a group represented by the formula (2-1), will be referred to as a compound (1-1), a compound (1) wherein B is a group represented by the formula (2-2), will be referred to as a compound (1-2), a compound (I) wherein B is a group represented by the formula (2-3), will be referred to as a compound (1-3), and a compound (1) wherein B is a group represented by the formula (2-4), will be referred to as a compound (1-4).

A-O—[{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}]—R^(f4)CX₂O—(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-1)

A-O—[{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}]—R^(f4)CX₂OCH₂CH(CH₃)—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-2)

A-O—[{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}]—R^(f4)C(═O)NHC_(k)H_(2k)—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-3)

A-O—[{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}]—R^(f4)(CH₂)₂—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-4)

R^(f4) is a C₁₋₂₀ perfluoroalkylene group which may have an etheric oxygen atom. The perfluoroalkylene group may be linear or branched. The following are preferred with a view to sufficiently imparting initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer.

—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂—,

—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂—,

—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂—,

—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂—,

—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂OCF(CF₃)—.

L is a hydrolysable group. The hydrolysable group is a group which becomes a hydroxy group by a hydrolytic reaction. That is, Si-L at the terminal of the compound (I) becomes a silanol group (Si—OH) by a hydrolytic reaction. Silanol groups are further intermolecularly reacted to form a Si—O—Si bond. Further, silanol groups will undergo a dehydration condensation reaction with hydroxy groups (substrate-OH) on the surface of a substrate to form chemical bonds (substrate-O—Si). The compound (1) has a hydrolysable silyl group at its terminal, whereby its adhesion to a substrate is good, and it is a compound excellent in abrasion resistance and capable of imparting water/oil repellency to the surface of the substrate.

L may, for example, be an alkoxy group, a halogen atom, an acyl group, an isocyanate group (—NCO) or the like. The alkoxy group is preferably a C₁₋₄ alkoxy group.

L is preferably a C₁₋₄ alkoxy group or a halogen atom, whereby an industrial production is easy. The halogen atom is particularly preferably a chlorine atom. L is preferably a C₁₋₄ alkoxy group, whereby gas emission during coating is little, and the compound (1) will be excellent in the storage stability. In a case where a long term storage stability of the compound (1) is required, an ethoxy group is particularly preferred, and in a case where it is desired to shorten the reaction time after coating, a methoxy group is particularly preferred.

R is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon group. The monovalent hydrocarbon group may, for example, be an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, an alkenyl group, an allyl group or the like.

R is preferably a monovalent hydrocarbon group, particularly preferably a monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group. The number of carbon atoms in the monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group is preferably from 1 to 6, more preferably from 1 to 3, particularly preferably 1 or 2.

From such a viewpoint that the synthesis is easy, R is preferably a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, more preferably a C₁₋₃ alkyl group, particularly preferably a C₁₋₂ alkyl group.

k is an integer of at least 1, preferably an integer of from 2 to 6, particularly preferably 3. In a case where k is at least 3, C_(k)H_(2k) may be linear or branched, but is preferably linear.

m is an integer of from 1 to 3, preferably 2 or 3, particularly preferably 3. By the presence of a plurality of L in one molecule, the bonding to the surface of a substrate will be further strengthened.

When m is at least 2, a plurality of L present in one molecule may be the same or different from one another. They are preferably the same one another from the viewpoint of availability of raw material or production efficiency.

The hydrolysable silyl group (—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)) is preferably —Si(OCH₃)₃, —SiCH₃(OCH₃)₂, —Si(OCH₂CH₃)₃, —SiCl₃, —Si(OCOCH₃)₃, or —Si(NCO)₃. From the viewpoint of handling efficiency in the industrial production, —Si(OCH₃)₃ is particularly preferred.

Preferred Embodiments

As the compound (1), preferred is a compound having the above-mentioned preferred A and the above-mentioned preferred chain (αβ) combined, and particularly preferred are compounds represented by the following formulae. In the formula number, H means that X in the formula (1-1) is a hydrogen atom, and F means that X in the formula (1-1) is a fluorine atom. The compounds represented by the following formulae are easy to industrially produce and easy to handle, and can sufficiently impart initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the surface-treated layer.

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-1Ha),

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-1Fa),

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)NH(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-3a),

A-O—[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x22)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-1Hb),

A-O—[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x22)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-1Fb),

A-O-[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x22)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)NH(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-3b),

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—[{(CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x14))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x23)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1Hc),

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—[{(CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x14))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x23)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-1Fc),

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—[{(CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x14))}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x23)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CONH(CH₂)₃—SiL_(m)R_(3-m)  (1-3c).

Here, A is CF₃—, CF₃CF₂— or CF₃(CF₂)₂—.

[Method for Producing Fluorinated Ether Compound]

A compound (1) wherein B is a group represented by the formula (2-1) or (2-2), can be produced by a method of introducing a hydrolysable silyl group at a terminal via a step of hydrosilylating a precursor (3) represented by the following formula (3).

A-O—[{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}]—R^(f4)CX₂O—CH₂CH═CH₂  (3)

When the compound (1) is produced via a step of hydrosilylating the precursor (3), a compound (1-1) wherein B is a group represented by the formula (2-1) is obtainable, and at the same time, a compound (1-2) wherein B is a group represented by the formula (2-2) is obtainable as a byproduct. For example, by subjecting the precursor (3) and HSiL_(m)R_(3-m) (wherein L and R are the same types of the atom or group as in the formula (1), and m is the same numerical value as in the formula (1)) to a hydrosilylation reaction, it is possible to obtain the compounds (1-1) and (1-2). It is preferred to carry out the hydrosilylation reaction by means of a transition metal catalyst such as platinum (Pt) or a radical generating agent such as an organic peroxide.

A compound (1) wherein B is a group represented by the formula (2-3), can be produced by a method of introducing a hydrolysable silyl group at a terminal via a step of reacting a precursor (4) represented by the following formula (4) and an aminoalkyl silane compound. In the formula (4), R¹ is an alkyl group, and from the viewpoint of easy synthesis, a C₁₋₃ alkyl group is preferred.

A-O—[{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}]—R^(f4)C(═O)OR¹  (4)

For example, by an amidation reaction of the precursor (4) and H₂NC_(k)H_(2k)SiL_(m)R_(3-m) (wherein L and R are the same types of the atom or group as in the formula (1), and m and k are the same numerical values as in the formula (1)), it is possible to obtain the compound (1-3).

The precursor (3) or (4) can be produced by a known method depending upon the structure of A-O—[{(R^(f1)O)_(x1)}{(R^(f2)O)_(x2)(R^(f3)O)_(x3)}]—. The method for producing the precursor (3) or (4) is as follows.

[Method for Producing Precursor (3)]

The method for producing the precursor (3) will be described with reference to the case of a precursor (3a) represented by the following formula (3a).

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CX₂O—CH₂CH═CH₂  (3a)

Hereinafter, the case where X in the formula (3a) is a fluorine atom, will be referred to as a precursor (3Fa), and the case where X is a hydrogen atom, will be referred to as a precursor (3Ha), and examples of the respective production methods will be described.

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O—CH₂CH═CH₂  (3Fa)

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O—CH₂CH═CH₂  (3Ha)

<Method (i) for Producing Precursor (3Fa)>

A compound (7a) represented by the following formula (7a) is heated in the presence of a metal fluoride catalyst (such as NaF, CsF, KF or AgF) to carry out pyrolysis of the ester, and then allyl bromide (Br—CH₂CH═CH₂) is reacted to obtain a precursor (3Fa). In the formula (7a), R^(f5) is a perfluoroalkyl group or a C₂₋₁₁ perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom.

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O—C(═O)R^(f5)  (7a)

<Method (ii) for Producing Precursor (3Fa)>

The precursor (3Fa) can be produced also by the following method.

A compound (8a) represented by the following formula (8a) is reacted with allyl bromide (Br—CH₂CH═CH₂) in the presence of a metal fluoride catalyst (such as NaF, CsF, KF or AgF) to obtain a precursor (3Fa).

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)F  (8a)

<Method for Producing Precursor (3Ha)>

An alcohol (such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol or 2-propanol, hereinafter referred to as R²OH wherein R² is an alkyl group) is reacted to the compound (7a) or (8a) to obtain a compound (6a) represented by the following formula (6a).

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)OR²  (6a)

Then, the compound (6a) is subjected to hydrogen reduction by means of a reducing agent (such as sodium boron hydride or aluminum lithium hydride) to obtain a compound (5a) represented by the following formula (5a).

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂OH  (5a)

The obtained compound (5a) is reacted with allyl bromide (Br—CH₂CH═CH₂) in the presence of a base (such as sodium hydride, tert-butoxy-potassium, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) to obtain the precursor (3Ha).

(Method for Producing Precursor (4))

The method for producing the precursor (4) will be described with reference to the case of a precursor (4a) represented by the following formula (4a).

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)OR¹  (4a)

<Method for Producing Precursor (4a)>

The precursor (4a) is the same compound as the compound (6a) except that R¹ and R² are different. As mentioned above, it can be produced by reacting an alcohol to the compound (7a) or (8a).

<Method for Producing Compound (7a)>

The method for producing the compound (7a) will be described with reference to a case where —R^(f5) is —CF(CF₃)O(CF₂)₂CF₃.

In accordance with a known method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,211, a compound (12a) represented by the following formula (12a) is synthesized from a compound (13a) represented by the following formula (13a).

CF₂═CFO—CF₂CF₂CF₂COOCH₃  (13a)

CF₂═CFO—CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂OH  (12a)

In accordance with a known method disclosed in WO2009/008380, a compound (11a) represented by the following formula (11a) is obtained.

A-O—(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11-1)—CF₂CH₂OH  (11a)

The compound (12a) and the compound (11a) are reacted in the presence of a base or a quaternary ammonium salt (such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, cesium fluoride, sodium hydride, tert-butoxy potassium, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, tetrabutyl ammonium chloride or tetrabutyl ammonium bromide) to obtain an oligomer compound (10a) represented by the following formula (10a).

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11-1)—CF₂CH₂O}—{(CF₂CFHO—CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O)_(x21+1)}]—H  (10a)

By controlling the amount of the compound (11a) to be added to the compound (12a), it is possible to synthesize an oligomer compound (10a) having a desired number average molecular weight.

The synthesis of the compound (10a) by the polyaddition reaction can be carried out by known method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,211.

By an esterification reaction of the compound (10a) and CF₃CF₂CF₂OCF(CF₃)COF, a compound (9a) represented by the following formula (9a) is obtained. Such an esterification reaction is not limited to the reaction of the compound (10a) with a perfluoro-acid fluoride as in the above example, and may be a reaction with a fluorinated or non-fluorinated hydrocarbon type acid fluoride, acid chloride, acid bromide or acid anhydride.

A-O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11-1)—CF₂CH₂O}—{(CF₂CFHO—CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O)_(x21+1)}]—C(═O)CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂CF₃  (9a)

Further, by means of fluorine gas, hydrogen atoms in the compound (9a) may be substituted by fluorine atoms to obtain the compound (7a). Such a fluorination step can be carried out, for example, in accordance with a method disclosed in WO2000/56694.

[Fluorinated Ether Composition]

The fluorinated ether composition of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present composition) is a composition containing at least 95 mass % of the present compound.

The present composition may contain impurities other than the present compound. The impurities other than the present compound mean compounds unavoidable in the production of the present compound. Specifically, they are byproducts formed in the production steps for the present compound and components included in the production steps for the present compound. The present composition does not contain the after-described liquid medium. The content of impurities other than the present compound in the present composition is preferably at most 5 mass %.

The content of the present compound in the present composition is particularly preferably at least 98 mass %. That is, the content of impurities is particularly preferably at most 2 mass %. When the content of the present compound is within such a range, the initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability will be excellent when used for surface treatment of a substrate.

Identification and quantitative determination of byproducts in the present composition are carried out by means of ¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz) and ¹⁹F-NMR (282. 7 MHz). For example, in a case where the desired compounds (1-1) and (1-2) are to be produced via a step of hydrosilylation of the precursor (3), a byproduct will be formed by the hydrosilylation. A case where no spectral peak attributable to such a byproduct (a compound of the formula (1) wherein B is represented by the following formula (2-5)) is detected, is defined that the content of the byproduct is zero. Here, in a case where a spectral peak attributable to the byproduct is observed, the content of the byproduct is obtained by quantitative determination by means of an internal standard.

—R^(f4)CX₂O—CH═CHCH₃  (2-5)

[Method for Producing Substrate Having Surface-Treated Layer] (Dry Coating Method)

The present compound and the present composition can be used as they are for a method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer, by treating the surface of the substrate by a dry coating method. The present compound and the present composition are suitable to form a surface-treated layer excellent in the adhesion by a dry coating method. The dry coating method may, for example, be a technique such as vacuum deposition, CVD or sputtering. A vacuum deposition method can be suitably used with a view to preventing decomposition of the present compound and in view of simplicity of the apparatus. The vacuum deposition method can be classified into a resistance heating method, an electron beam heating method, a high frequency induction heating method, a reactive deposition method, a molecular beam epitaxy method, a hot wall deposition method, an ion plating method, a cluster ion beam method, etc., and any method can be used. A resistance heating method can be suitably used with a view to preventing decomposition of the present compound and in view of simplicity of the apparatus. The vacuum deposition apparatus is not particularly limited, and a known apparatus may be used.

In a case where a vacuum deposition method is employed, the film deposition conditions vary depending upon the type of the vacuum deposition method to be applied, and in the case of a resistance heating method, the degree of vacuum before deposition is preferably at most 1×10⁻² Pa, particularly preferably at most 1×10⁻³ Pa. The heating temperature of the deposition source is not particularly limited so long as it is a temperature at which the present compound or the present composition used as the deposition source has a sufficient vapor pressure. It is specifically preferably from 30 to 400° C., particularly preferably from 50 to 300° C. When the heating temperature is at least the lower limit value of the above range, the film deposition rate will be good. When it is at most the upper limit value of the above range, it is possible to impart initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability to the substrate surface without causing decomposition of the present compound.

At the time of vacuum deposition, the substrate temperature is preferably within a range of from room temperature (20 to 25° C.) to 200° C. When the substrate temperature is at most 200° C., the film deposition rate will be good. The upper limit value of the substrate temperature is more preferably at most 150° C., particularly preferably at most 100° C.

In a case where the surface of a substrate is treated by a dry coating method using the present compound or the present composition, the surface-treated layer to be formed on the surface of the substrate by the treatment has a film thickness of preferably from 1 to 100 nm, particularly preferably from 1 to 50 nm. When the film thickness of the surface-treated layer is at least the lower limit value of the above range, the effect by the surface treatment is readily sufficiently obtainable. When it is at most the upper limit value of the above range, the utilization efficiency tends to be high. To measure the film thickness, for example, an interference pattern of reflected X-rays is obtained by an X-ray reflectance method using an X-ray diffractometer for thin-film analysis ATX-G (manufactured by Rigaku Corporation), and from the oscillation period of the interference pattern, the film thickness can be calculated.

Particularly, in the vacuum deposition method, the effect to improve the initial water/oil repellency, abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability is large, since the content of the present compound in the present composition is large, and the content of impurities is small. This is considered to be such that it is thereby possible to prevent vapor deposition of byproducts having small molecular weights, as impurities, on the surface of a substrate, prior to the present compound, to hinder chemical bonds between the surface of the substrate and the present compound to provide the effect.

(Wet Coating Method)

A substrate having a surface-treated layer can be produced by applying a coating liquid containing the present compound to the surface of a substrate, followed by drying.

As a method for applying the coating liquid, a known technique may suitably be employed.

The application method is preferably a spin coating method, a wipe coating method, a spray coating method, a squeegee coating method, a dip coating method, a die coating method, an ink jet method, a flow coating method, a roll coating method, a casting method, a Langmuir-Blodgett method or a gravure coating method.

The method for drying may be any method so long as it is capable of drying and removing the medium, and a known technique may suitably be employed. The temperature for drying is preferably from 10 to 300° C., particularly preferably from 20 to 200° C.

The surface-treated layer to be formed on the surface of the substrate after the medium is dried and removed has a film thickness of preferably from 1 to 100 nm, particularly preferably from 1 to 50 nm. When the film thickness of the surface-treated layer is at least the lower limit value of the above range, the effect by the surface treatment is readily sufficiently obtainable. When it is at most the upper limit value of the above range, the utilization efficiency tends to be high. Measurement of the film thickness can be carried out in the same manner as the method of measuring the film thickness of the surface-treated layer formed by a dry coating method.

(Post Treatment)

At the time of producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer by either one of the above methods, in order to improve the durability against abrasion of the surface-treated layer, an operation to promote the reaction of the hydrolysable silyl groups with the substrate may be carried out as the case requires. Such an operation may, for example, be heating, humidification or light irradiation.

After the surface treatment, a compound in the surface-treated layer which is not chemically bonded to another compound or the substrate, may be removed as the case requires. As a specific method, for example, a method of washing the surface-treated layer with a solvent, or a method of wiping the surface-treated layer with cloth impregnated with a solvent, may be mentioned.

(Coating Liquid)

The coating liquid of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the present coating liquid) contains the present compound and a medium. The medium is preferably liquid. The present coating liquid is in a liquid form and may be a solution or a dispersion.

The present coating liquid contains the present compound and may contain impurities such as byproducts formed in the production steps for the present compound. Accordingly, the present coating liquid may contain the present composition and a medium.

The concentration of the present compound is preferably from 0.001 to 10 mass %, particularly preferably from 0.1 to 1 mass % in the present coating liquid.

<Medium>

The medium is preferably an organic solvent. The organic solvent may be a fluorinated organic solvent or a non-fluorinated organic solvent, or may contain both solvents.

The fluorinated organic solvent may, for example, be a fluorinated alkane, a fluorinated aromatic compound, a fluoroalkyl ether, a fluorinated alkylamine or a fluoroalcohol.

The fluorinated alkane is preferably a C₄₋₈ compound. As commercially available products, for example, C₆F₁₃H (AC-2000, tradename, manufactured by Asahi Glass Company, Limited), C₆F₁₃C₂H₅ (AC-6000, tradename, manufactured by Asahi Glass Company, Limited) and C₂F₅CHFCHFCF₃ (Vertrel, tradename, manufactured by Du Pont Kabushiki Kaisha) may, for example, be mentioned.

The fluorinated aromatic compound may, for example, be hexafluorobenzene, trifluoromethylbenzene, perfluorotoluene or bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene.

The fluoroalkyl ether is preferably a C₄₋₁₂ compound. As commercially available products, for example, CF₃CH₂OCF₂CF₂H (AE-3000, tradename, manufactured by Asahi Glass Company, Limited), C₄F₉OCH₃ (Novec-7100, tradename, manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Limited), C₄F₉OCH₅ (Novec-7200, tradename, manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Limited) and C₆F₁₃OCH₃ (Novec-7300, tradename, manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Limited) may, for example, be mentioned.

The fluorinated alkylamine may, for example, be perfluorotripropylamine or perfluorotributylamine.

The fluoroalcohol may, for example, be 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol or hexafluoroisopropanol.

The fluorinated organic solvent is preferably a fluorinated alkane, a fluorinated aromatic compound or a fluoroalkyl ether in view of the solubility of the present compound, and particularly preferred is a fluoroalkyl ether.

The non-fluorinated organic solvent is preferably a compound composed solely of hydrogen atoms and carbon atoms or a compound composed solely of hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, and may, for example, be a hydrocarbon organic solvent, an alcohol organic solvent, a ketone organic solvent, an ether organic solvent or an ester organic solvent.

The hydrocarbon organic solvent is preferably hexane, heptane, cyclohexane or the like.

The alcohol organic solvent is preferably methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol or the like.

The ketone organic solvent is preferably acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or the like.

The ether organic solvent is preferably diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether or the like.

The ester organic solvent is preferably ethyl acetate, butyl acetate or the like.

The non-fluorinated organic solvent is particularly preferably a ketone organic solvent in view of the solubility of the present compound.

The medium is preferably at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of the fluorinated alkane, the fluorinated aromatic compound, the fluoroalkyl ether, the compound composed solely of hydrogen atoms and carbon atoms and the compound composed solely of hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms and oxygen atoms. Particularly preferred is a fluorinated organic solvent selected from the fluorinated alkane, the fluorinated aromatic compound and the fluoroalkyl ether.

The medium preferably contains at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of the fluorinated alkane, the fluorinated aromatic compound, the fluoroalkyl ether, as fluorinated organic solvents, the compound composed solely of hydrogen atoms, carbon atoms and oxygen atoms, as non-fluorinated solvents, in a total amount of at least 90 mass %, based on the entire medium with a view to increasing the solubility of the present compound.

The present coating liquid contains preferably from 90 to 99.999 mass %, particularly preferably from 99 to 99.99 mass %, of the medium.

The present coating liquid may contain other components in addition to the present compound and the medium, within a range not to impair the effects of the present invention.

Such other components may, for example, be known additives such as an acid catalyst or a basic catalyst, which promotes hydrolysis of the hydrolyzable silyl group and a condensation reaction, etc.

The acid catalyst may, for example, be hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid.

The basic catalyst may, for example, be sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or ammonia.

In the present coating liquid, the content of other components is preferably at most 10 mass %, particularly preferably at most 1 mass %.

The solid content concentration of the present coating liquid is preferably from 0.001 to 10 mass %, particularly preferably from 0.01 to 1 mass %. The solid content concentration of the coating liquid is a value calculated from the mass of the coating liquid before heating and the mass after the coating liquid is heated by a convection dryer at 120° C. for 4 hours. Further, the concentration of the present composition can be calculated from the solid content concentration and the amounts of charge of the present composition, the medium, etc.

(Substrate)

In the present invention, the substrate to be subjected to surface treatment is not particularly limited so long as it is a substrate to which the water/oil repellency is required to be imparted. The material of the surface of the substrate may, for example, be a metal, a resin, glass, a ceramic or a composite material thereof.

By surface treatment of the substrate using the present compound, the present composition containing it or the present coating liquid to form a surface-treated layer, good initial water/oil repellency is imparted and at the same time, excellent abrasion resistance whereby the water/oil repellency is hardly decreased even by repeated abrasion of the surface, and a performance (fingerprint stain removability) whereby a fingerprint stain on the surface of a substrate can easily be removed, are obtainable. Accordingly, the substrate having a surface-treated layer thus obtained, has good initial water/oil repellency and also has excellent abrasion resistance and fingerprint stain removability, whereby it is useful as a member constituting a touch panel. A touch panel means an input device of an input/display device (touch panel device) comprising a device to input contact location information by contact by e.g. fingers and a display device in combination. The touch panel comprises a substrate, and depending upon the input detection method, a transparent electrically conductive membrane, an electrode, a wiring, an IC, etc. A touch panel having good fingerprint stain removability can be obtained by disposing the substrate so that its surface having a surface-treated layer becomes an input screen of the touch panel.

The material of the substrate for a touch panel has translucency. Here, “has translucency” means that the normal incidence visible light transmittance in accordance with JIS R3106 is at least 25%.

The material of the substrate for a touch panel is preferably glass or a transparent resin. The glass is preferably soda lime glass, alkali aluminosilicate glass, borosilicate glass, alkali-free glass, crystal glass or quartz glass, particularly preferably chemically tempered soda lime glass, chemically tempered alkali aluminosilicate glass or chemically tempered borosilicate glass. The transparent resin substrate is preferably an acrylic resin or polycarbonate.

Further, the substrate in the present invention is also preferably a substrate for a display constituting the outermost surface of a display such as a liquid crystal display, a CRT display, a projection display, a plasma display or an EL display, and by forming a surface-treated layer by surface treatment using the present compound, the present composition or the present coating liquid, good fingerprint stain removability will be obtained.

EXAMPLES

Now, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to Examples. However, it should be understood that the present invention is by no means restricted to such specific Examples. In the following, “%” means “mass %” unless otherwise specified. Ex. 1, 3, 11 and 13 are Examples of the present invention, and Ex. 2 and 12 are Comparative Examples.

Ex. 1 Production of Composition (A) Ex. 1-1

Into a 300 mL three-necked round-bottomed flask, 14.1 g of a sodium borohydride powder was put, and 350 g of AK-225 (trade name, manufactured by Asahi Glass Company, Limited) was added. While cooling and stirring in an ice bath, a solution having 100 g of a compound (13a), 15.8 g of methanol and 22 g of AK-225 mixed, was slowly dropwise added in a nitrogen atmosphere so that the internal temperature would not exceed 10° C. After dropwise addition of the entire amount, a solution having 10 g of methanol and 10 g of AK-225 mixed, was dropwise added. Then, the ice bath was removed, and while raising the temperature slowly to room temperature, stirring was continued. After stirring at room temperature for 12 hours, the reaction mixture was cooled again in an ice bath, and an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution was dropwise added until the liquid became acidic. After termination of the reaction, the reaction mixture was washed once with water and once with a saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, whereupon an organic phase was recovered. The recovered organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, and then, the solid content was filtered off, and the filtrate was concentrated by an evaporator. The recovered concentrated liquid was distilled under reduced pressure to obtain 80.6 g (yield: 88%) of the compound (12a).

CF₂═CFO—CF₂CF₂CF₂COOCH₃  (13a)

CF₂═CFO—CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂OH  (12a)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (12a):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 2.2 (1H), 4.1 (2H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −85.6 (2F), −114.0 (1F), −122.2 (1F), −123.3 (2F), −127.4 (2F), −135.2 (1F).

Ex. 1-2

In accordance with the known method disclosed in WO2009/008380, a compound (11a-1) represented by the following formula (11a-1) was obtained.

CF₃—O—(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11-1)—CF₂CH₂OH  (11a-1)

Ex. 1-3

Into a 100 mL eggplant flask connected to a reflux condenser, 22.0 g of the compound (12a) obtained in Ex. 1-1, and 10.0 g of the compound (11a-1) obtained in Ex. 1-2 were introduced, and 1.47 g of a potassium carbonate powder was added. After stirring at 60° C. for 8 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere, 1.74 g of potassium carbonate powder was additionally added, followed by stirring at 80° C. for 2 hours, and further at room temperature for 24 hours. Excess potassium carbonate was treated by adding an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, and water and AK-225 were added to carry out liquid separation treatment. After washing with water three times, the organic phase was recovered and concentrated by an evaporator to obtain 32.65 g of an oligomer with a high viscosity. It was diluted again with 30 g of AK-225 and developed and fractionated by silica gel column chromatography (developing solvent: AK-225). With respect to each fraction, an average value of (x21+1) in the formula (10a-1) was obtained from the integrated value of ¹⁹F-NMR. 6.06 g of a compound (10a-1) having fractions with an average value of (x21+1) being from 7 to 15 put together, was obtained.

CF₃—O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11-1)—CF₂CH₂O}—{(CF₂CFHO—CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O)_(x21+1)}]—H  (10a-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (10a-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated acetone, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 4.1 (2H), 4.8 (22H), 6.7-6.9 (11H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated acetone, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −55.3 (3F), −77.6 (2F), −83.7˜−85.1 (22F), −88.5 (24F), −89.3˜−90.4 (22F), −120.2 (20F), −122.0 (2F), −126.6 (22F), −145.1 (11F).

Average value of (x11−1): 6

Average value of (x21+1): 11

Ex. 1-4

Into a 50 mL eggplant flask connected to a reflux condenser, 8.06 g of the compound (10a-1) obtained in Ex. 1-3, 0.55 g of a sodium fluoride powder and 16 g of AK-225 were introduced, and 9.32 g of CF₃CF₂CF₂OCF(CF₃)COF was added. After stirring at 40° C. for 14 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere, the sodium fluoride powder was removed by pressure filtration, and then, excess CF₃CF₂CF₂OCF(CF₃)COF and AK-225 were distilled off under reduced pressure. By silica gel column chromatography (developing solvent: AK-225), highly polar impurities were removed to obtain 7.81 g (yield: 89%) of a compound (9a-1).

CF₃—O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11-1)—CF₂CH₂O}—{(CF₂CFHO—CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O)_(x21+1)}]—C(═O)CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂CF₃  (9a-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (9a-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated acetone, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 4.8 (22H), 5.2 (2H), 6.7-6.9 (11H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated acetone, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −55.2 (3F), −77.6 (2F), −76.5˜−77.6 (1F), −79.4 (3F), −81.1 (3F), −83.7˜−85.0 (22F), −85.7˜−86.3 (1F), −88.5 (24F), −89.0˜−91.8 (22F), −119.8 (2F), −120.2 (20F), −126.6 (22F), −129.3 (2F), −131.5 (1F), −145.1 (11F).

Average value of (x11−1): 6

Average value of (x21+1): 11

Ex. 1-5

An autoclave (made of nickel, internal capacity: 1 L) was provided, and at a gas discharge outlet of the autoclave, a condenser held at 0° C., a NaF pellets-packed layer and a condenser held at −10° C. were set in series. Further, a liquid-returning line to return a liquid condensed from the condenser held at −10° C. to the autoclave, was set.

Into the autoclave, 312 g of R-113 (CF₂ClCFCl₂) was put and stirred while maintaining the temperature at 25° C. After blowing nitrogen gas at 25° C. for one hour into the autoclave, fluorine gas diluted to 20 vol % with nitrogen gas (hereinafter referred to as the 20% fluorine gas), was blown into it at 25° C. for one hour at a flow rate of 1.5 L/hr. Then, while blowing the 20% fluorine gas at the same flow rate, a solution having 7.6 g of the compound (9a-1) obtained in Ex. 1-4 dissolved in 76 g of R-113, was injected into the autoclave over a period of 3.5 hours.

Then, while blowing the 20% fluorine gas at the same flow rate, the internal pressure of the autoclave was raised to 0.15 MPa (gauge pressure). Into the autoclave, 9 mL of a benzene solution containing 0.015 g/mL of benzene in R-113, was injected while heating to from 25° C. to 40° C., whereupon the benzene solution injection inlet of the autoclave was closed. After stirring for 20 minutes, 6 mL of the benzene solution was injected again while maintaining the temperature at 40° C., whereupon the injection inlet was closed. The same operation was further repeated 3 times. The total injected amount of benzene was 0.4 g.

Further, stirring was continued for one hour while blowing the 20% fluorine gas at the same flow rate. Then, the internal pressure of the autoclave was adjusted to the atmospheric pressure, and nitrogen gas was injected for one hour. The content in the autoclave was concentrated by an evaporator to obtain 8.6 g (yield: 99%) of a compound (7a-1).

CF₃—O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O—C(═O)CF(CF₃)OCF₂CF₂CF₃  (7a-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (7a-1):

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −56.2 (3F), −79.7˜−80.3 (1F), −82.1 (3F), −82.3 (3F), −83.8 (42F), −86.7˜−87.7 (3F), −89.2 (70F), −91.0 (2F), −126.3 (44F), −130.2 (2F), −132.4 (1F).

Average value of x11: 7

Average value of x21: 10

Ex. 1-6

Into a 50 mL eggplant flask connected to a reflux condenser, 8.6 g of the compound (7a-1) obtained in Ex. 1-5, 0.39 g of a sodium fluoride powder and 60 g of AK-225 were introduced. While cooling and stirring in an ice bath, 2.14 g of methanol was dropwise added in a nitrogen atmosphere. After stirring at 50° C. for 4 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere, the sodium fluoride powder was removed by pressure filtration, and the reaction mixture was concentrated by an evaporator to obtain 7.7 g (yield: 96%) of a precursor (4a-1).

CF₃—O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)OCH₃  (4a-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (4a-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated acetone, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.9 (3H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated acetone, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −56.5 (3F), −84.2 (42F), −89.4 (70F), −91.5 (2F), −119.5 (2F), −126.6 (40F), −127.5 (2F).

Average value of x11: 7

Average value of x21: 10

Ex. 1-7

Into a 6 mL screw bottle, 2.0 g of the precursor (4a-1) obtained in Ex. 1-6 and 0.11 g of H₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₃)₃ were put and stirred for 12 hours. From NMR, it was confirmed that 97% of the precursor (4a-1) was converted to a compound (1-3a-1). Further, all of H₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₃)₃ was reacted, and methanol was formed as a byproduct. Thus, a composition (A) containing 96% of the compound (1-3a-1) was obtained. The number average molecular weight of the compound (1-3a-1i) was 4,700. The results are shown in Table 1.

CF₃—O—[{(CF₂CF₂O)_(x11)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x21)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)NHCH₂CH₂CH₂—Si(OCH₃)₃  (1-3a-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (1-3a-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 0.6 (2H), 1.6 (2H), 2.8 (1H), 3.3 (2H), 3.5 (9H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −56.3 (3F), −84.1 (42F), −89.3 (70F), −91.4 (2F), −120.8 (2F), −126.5 (40F), −127.6 (2F).

Average value of x11: 7

Average value of x21: 10

Ex. 2 Production of Compound (B)

A fluorinated ether compound constituted by a combination of (CF₂O) and (CF₂CF₂O) was synthesized in accordance with the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,110 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,978. The acid fluoride (—COF) terminal of the obtained fluorinated ether compound was esterified by a reaction with an alcohol, and an aminopropylsilane compound was reacted to convert the terminal to a hydrolysable trimethoxysilyl group thereby to obtain the compound (B).

Ex. 3 Production of Composition (C) Ex. 3-1

Into a 500 mL three-necked round-bottomed flask, 1.04 g of potassium hydroxide was put, and 83 g of tert-butanol and 125 g of 1,3-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene were added. The potassium hydroxide was dissolved with stirring at room temperature, and 250 g of FLUOROLINK D10/H (trade name, Solvay Solexis, Inc.) was added thereto, followed by stirring for one hour. At room temperature, 38.2 g of the compound (14) was added, and stirring was continued for further 24 hours. An aqueous hydrochloric acid was added for neutralization, and water was further added to carry out liquid separation treatment. After washing with water three times, the organic phase was recovered and concentrated by an evaporator to obtain 288.0 g of a reaction crude liquid. It was diluted again with 144 g of AC-2000 and developed and fractionated by silica gel column chromatography (developing solvent: AC-2000 and AE-3000). Thus, 136.2 g (yield: 47%) of a compound (11b-1) having the compound (14) added only to its molecular terminal, was obtained.

CF₂═CF—O—CF₂CF₂CF₃  (14)

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—CHFCF₂—O—CH₂CF₂—O—(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13-3)—CF₂CH₂OH  (11b-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (11b-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.9 (2H), 4.2 (2H), 5.9 (1H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −52.3˜−55.7 (14F), −78.7 (1F), −80.7 (1F), −81.3 (1F), −82.1 (3F), −83.4 (1F), −85.3˜−88.2 (2F), −89.4˜−91.1 (38F), −130.5 (2F), −145.2 (1F).

Average value of x12: 8

Average value of x13−3: 10

Ex. 3-2

Into a 200 mL eggplant flask connected to a reflux condenser, 80.0 g of the compound (11b-1) obtained in Ex. 3-1, was introduced, and 3.26 g of a potassium carbonate powder was added. In a nitrogen atmosphere, the temperature was raised to 120° C., 110.7 g of the compound (12a) obtained in Ex. 1-1 was slowly dropwise added while controlling so that the internal temperature would be at most 130° C. After dropwise adding the entire amount, stirring was continued for further one hour while maintaining the temperature at 120° C., whereupon heating was stopped, and stirring was continued until the temperature lowered to room temperature. Excess potassium carbonate was treated by adding an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, and water and AK-225 were added to carry out liquid separation treatment. After washing with water three times, the organic phase was recovered and concentrated by an evaporator to obtain 183.7 g of an oligomer with a high viscosity. It was diluted again with 110 g of AC-2000 and developed and fractionated by silica gel column chromatography (developing solvent: AC-2000 and AE-3000). With respect to each fraction, an average value of (x22+1) in the following formula (10b-1) was obtained from the integrated value of ¹⁹F-NMR. 83.5 g of a compound (10b-1) having fractions with an average value of (x22+1) being from 6 to 9 put together, was obtained.

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—CHFCF₂—O—CH₂CF₂—O—[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13-3)—CF₂CH₂O}—{(CF₂CHFO—CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O)_(x22+1)}]—H  (10b-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (10b-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 4.0 (2H), 4.2 (4H), 4.4 (12H), 5.9 (8H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −52.4˜−55.8 (16F), −78.8 (2F), −80.8 (2F), −82.2 (3F), −84.7˜−88.2 (16F), −89.4˜−92.2 (56F), −121.5 (12F), −123.7 (2F), −128.0 (14F), −130.5 (2F), −145.0 (8F).

Average value of x12: 8

Average value of x13−3: 10

Average value of x22+1: 7

Ex. 3-3

Into a 100 mL eggplant flask connected to a reflux condenser, 80.1 g of the compound (10a-1b) obtained in Ex. 3-2, was introduced, and 7.63 g of acetic acid chloride was added. In a nitrogen atmosphere, stirring was carried out at 40° C. for 12 hours, whereupon excess acetic acid chloride was distilled off under reduced pressure. Highly polar impurities were removed by silica gel column chromatography (developing solvent: AK-225) to obtain 79.7 g (yield: 98%) of a compound (9b-1) was obtained.

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—CHFCF₂—O—CH₂CF₂—O—[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13-3)—CF₂CH₂O}—{(CF₂CHFO—CF₂CF₂CF₂CH₂O)_(x22+1)}]—C(═O)CH₃  (9b-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (9b-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 2.1 (3H), 4.2 (4H), 4.4 (12H), 4.5 (2H), 5.9 (8H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −52.4˜−55.8 (16F), −78.8 (2F), −80.8 (2F), −82.2 (3F), −84.7˜−88.2 (16F), −89.4˜−92.2 (56F), −120.9 (2F), −121.5 (12F), −128.0 (14F), −130.5 (2F), −145.0 (8F).

Average value of x12: 8

Average value of x13−3: 10

Average value of x22+1: 7

Ex. 3-4

An autoclave (made of nickel, internal capacity: 1 L) was provided, and at a gas discharge outlet of the autoclave, a condenser held at 0° C., a NaF pellets-packed layer and a condenser held at −10° C. were set in series. Further, a liquid-returning line to return a liquid condensed from the condenser held at −10° C. to the autoclave, was set.

Into the autoclave, 312 g of ClCF₂CFClCF₂OCF₂CF₂Cl (hereinafter referred to as CFE-419) was put and stirred while maintaining the temperature at 25° C. After blowing nitrogen gas at 25° C. for one hour into the autoclave, the 20% fluorine gas was blown into it at 25° C. for one hour at a flow rate of 2.3 L/hr. Then, while blowing the 20% fluorine gas at the same flow rate, a solution having 75.0 g of the compound (9b-1) obtained in Ex. 3-3 dissolved in 234 g of CFE-419, was injected into the autoclave over a period of 9.0 hours.

Then, while blowing the 20% fluorine gas at the same flow rate, the internal pressure of the autoclave was raised to 0.15 MPa (gauge pressure). Into the autoclave, 5 mL of a benzene solution containing 0.006 g/mL of benzene in CFE-419, was injected while heating to from 25° C. to 40° C., whereupon the benzene solution injection inlet of the autoclave was closed. After stirring for 15 minutes, 5 mL of the benzene solution was injected again while maintaining the temperature at 40° C., whereupon the injection inlet was closed. The same operation was further repeated 7 times. The total injected amount of benzene was 0.24 g.

Further, stirring was continued for one hour while blowing the 20% fluorine gas at the same flow rate. Then, the internal pressure of the autoclave was adjusted to the atmospheric pressure, and nitrogen gas was injected for one hour. The content in the autoclave was concentrated by an evaporator to obtain 81.5 g (yield: 97%) of a compound (7b-1).

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x22)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O—C(═O)CF₃  (7b-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (7b-1):

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −53.4˜−56.8 (16F), −77.4 (3F), −83.4 (3F), −85.1 (26F), −86.2 (2F), −88.3 (2F), −89.9˜−92.1 (80F), −127.5 (28F), −131.8 (2F).

Average value of x12: 8

Average value of x13: 13

Average value of x22: 6

Ex. 3-5

Into a 200 mL eggplant flask connected to a reflux condenser, 80.5 g of the compound (7b-1) obtained in Ex. 3-4 and 100 g of AK-225 were put. While cooling and stirring in an ice bath, 3.0 g of methanol was dropwise added in a nitrogen atmosphere. After stirring at room temperature for 4 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere, the reaction mixture was concentrated by an evaporator to obtain 77.9 g (yield: 99%) of a precursor (4b-1).

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x22)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)OCH₃  (4b-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (4b-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 3.9 (3H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −53.3˜−56.7 (16F), −83.3 (3F), −85.0 (26F), −86.1 (2F), −90.0˜−92.0 (80F), −120.4 (2F), −127.4 (24F), −128.4 (2F), −131.7 (2F).

Average value of x12: 8

Average value of x13: 13

Average value of x22: 6

Ex. 3-6

Into a 50 mL eggplant flask, 50.0 g of the precursor (4b-1) obtained in Ex. 3-5 and 1.90 g of H₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₃)₃ were put and stirred for 12 hours. From NMR, it was confirmed that 98% of the precursor (4b-1) was converted to a compound (1-3b-1). Further, all of H₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂Si(OCH₃)₃ was reacted, and methanol was formed as a byproduct. Thus, a composition (C) containing 97% of the compound (1-3b-1), was obtained. The number average molecular weight of the compound (1-3b-1) was 4,700. The results are shown in Table 1.

CF₃(CF₂)₂—O—[{(CF₂O)_(x12)(CF₂CF₂O)_(x13)}—{(CF₂CF₂O—CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)_(x22)}]—CF₂CF₂OCF₂CF₂CF₂C(═O)NHCH₂CH₂CH₂Si—(OCH₃)₃  (1-3b-1)

NMR Spectrum of Compound (1-3b-1):

¹H-NMR (300.4 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: TMS) δ (ppm): 0.5 (2H), 1.6 (2H), 3.2 (2H), 3.4 (9H).

¹⁹F-NMR (282.7 MHz, solvent: deuterated chloroform, standard: CFCl₃) δ (ppm): −53.3˜−56.7 (16F), −83.3 (3F), −85.0 (26F), −86.1 (2F), −90.0˜−92.0 (80F), −121.6 (2F), −127.4 (24F), −128.4 (2F), −131.7 (2F).

Average value of x12: 8

Average value of x13: 13

Average value of x22: 6

Ex. 11 to 13 Production and Evaluation of Substrate Having Surface-Treated Layer

Using the composition or compound obtained in Ex. 1 to 3, surface treatment of a substrate was carried out as Ex. 11 to 13. In each Ex., a substrate having a surface-treated layer was produced by using each of the following dry coating method and wet coating method. As the substrate, chemically tempered glass was used. With respect to the obtained substrates having a surface-treated layer, evaluations were carried out by the following methods. The results are shown in Table 2.

(Dry Coating Method)

The dry coating method was carried out by using a vacuum deposition apparatus (VTR-350M manufactured by ULVAC, Inc.) (vacuum deposition method). 0.5 g of the composition or compound obtained in Ex. 1 to 3 was filled in a boat made of molybdenum in the vacuum deposition apparatus, and inside of the vacuum deposition apparatus was evacuated to at most 1×10⁻³ Pa. The boat having the composition or compound disposed was heated at a heating rate of at most 10° C./min, and at the time when the deposition rate measured by a quartz film thickness meter exceeded 1 nm/sec, a shutter was opened to initiate film deposition on the substrate surface. At the time when the film thickness reached about 50 nm, the shutter was closed to complete film deposition on the substrate surface. The substrate on which the composition or compound was deposited was subjected to heat treatment at 200° C. for 30 minutes and then washed with AK-225 (trade name, manufactured by Asahi Glass Company, Limited) which is a fluorinated solvent, to obtain a substrate having a surface-treated layer.

(Wet Coating Method)

The composition or compound obtained in Ex. 1 to 3 and HFE-7200 (trade name, manufactured by 3M) as a solvent were mixed to prepare a coating liquid having a solid content concentration of 0.05 mass %. The substrate was dipped in the coating liquid (dip coating method), left to stand for 30 minutes and then pulled out. The substrate was dried at 200° C. for 30 minutes and washed with AK-225 (trade name, manufactured by Asahi Glass Company, Limited) which is a fluorinated solvent, to obtain a substrate having a surface-treated layer.

(Evaluation Methods)

<Method for Measuring Water Contact Angle and n-Hexadecane Contact Angle>

The contact angle of about 2 μL of distilled water or n-hexadecane placed on the surface-treated surface of the substrate having a surface-treated layer was measured by a contact angle measuring apparatus DM-500 (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.). Measurement was carried out on different five positions on the surface-treated surface of the substrate, and their average value was calculated. To calculate the contact angle, 20 method was employed.

<Initial Water and n-Hexadecane Contact Angles>

With respect to the substrate surface-treated by each of the dry coating method and the wet coating method (the substrate having a surface-treated layer), the initial water contact angle and the initial n-hexadecane contact angle were measured by the above measurement method.

<Abrasion Resistance>

With respect to the substrate having a surface-treated layer produced in each of Ex. 11 to 13, in accordance with JIS L0849, by means of a reciprocal traverse tester (manufactured by KNT), a cellulose nonwoven fabric (BEMCOT M-3, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) was reciprocated 100,000 times under a load of 1 kg, whereupon the water contact angle and the n-hexadecane contact angle were measured.

The smaller the decrease of the water repellency (water contact angle) and the oil repellency (n-hexadecane contact angle) when the number of abrasion times was increased, the smaller the decrease in the performance by abrasion, and the better the abrasion resistance.

<Fingerprint Stain Removability>

An artificial fingerprint liquid (a liquid composed of oleic acid and squalene) was deposited on a flat surface of a silicon rubber stopper, and then, excess oil was wiped off with a nonwoven fabric (BEMCOT M-3, manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation) to prepare a fingerprint stamp. On a substrate having a surface-treated layer in each of Ex. 11 to 13, the fingerprint stamp was placed and pressed under a load of 1 kg for 10 seconds. At that time, the haze at the portion where the fingerprint was stamped, was measured by a haze meter (manufactured by Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd.). The value at that time was taken as the initial value. Then, at the portion where the fingerprint was stamped, by means of a reciprocal traverse tester (manufactured by KNT) having tissue paper attached, wiping was carried out under a load of 500 g. The haze value was measured after every wiping reciprocation, and if it reached a numerical value where the haze is no longer visually observed, within 10 wiping reciprocations, such a case was taken as “acceptable”.

TABLE 1 Fluorinated ether compound Number average Oxyperfluoroalkylene Oxyperfluoroalkylene molecular Ex. No. No. unit in block (α) unit in block (β) Group A Group B weight Ex. 1 Composition (A) 1-3a-1 (CF₂CF₂O) (CF₂CF₂O), CF₃— Formula (2-3) 4,700 (CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O) Ex. 2 Compound (B) — (CF₂O), (CF₂CF₂O) — Ex. 3 Composition (C) 1-3b-1 (CF₂O), (CF₂CF₂O) (CF₂CF₂O), CF₃(CF₂)₂— Formula (2-3) 4,700 (CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O)

TABLE 2 Dry coating method Wet coating method Fluorinated Water contact n-hexadecane contact Water contact n-hexadecane contact ether angle (degrees) angle (degrees) angle (degrees) angle (degrees) compound After 100,000 After 100,000 Fingerprint After 100,000 After 100,000 Fingerprint or abrasion abrasion stain abrasion abrasion stain Ex. No. composition Initial times Initial times removability Initial times Initial times removability Ex. 11 (A) 114.8 112.0 68.9 68.0 Acceptable 112.8 111.5 72.9 67.5 Acceptable Ex. 12 (B) 110.8 102.0 66.6 60.9 Acceptable 111.3 112.9 66.2 66.6 Acceptable Ex. 13 (C) 117.3 118.0 68.9 67.3 Acceptable 115.3 116.3 68.5 68.6 Acceptable

As the results in Table 2 show, the substrate having a surface-treated layer in each of Ex. 11 and 13, wherein the present compound was used, was excellent in the initial water contact angle and n-hexadecane contact angle, and particularly in the case of the substrate having a surface-treated layer formed by the dry coating method, the decrease in the contact angle was small even when abraded 100,000 times. It has been confirmed that the present compound having a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain comprising blocks (α) and (β) is capable of imparting good initial water/oil repellency to the surface of a substrate and at the same time, has good fingerprint stain removability, is excellent in abrasion resistance whereby the water/oil repellency is less likely to be lowered even by repeated abrasion, and can be efficiently produced.

The substrate having a surface-treated layer in Ex. 12 wherein a fluorinated ether compound having a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain comprising (CF₂O) units and (CF₂CF₂O) units was used, was slightly poor in the initial water contact angle and n-hexadecane contact angle, and in the case of the substrate having a surface-treated layer formed by the dry coating method, the decrease in the contact angle by abrasion was large.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The fluorinated ether compound of the present invention is useful for surface treatment to impart water/oil repellency to the surface of a substrate such as a member constituting a surface to be touched with a finger, of a touch panel.

This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2013/052944, filed on Feb. 7, 2013, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-032785 filed on Feb. 17, 2012. The contents of those applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluorinated ether compound which has a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) having a structure of block (α)-block (β) or a structure of block (β)-block (α)-block (β), formed by linking a block (α) comprising at least three C₁₋₃ oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type and a block (β) having C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units of at least one type, wherein the proportion of the C₄₋₁₅ oxyperfluoroalkylene units is at least 30 mol % among all oxyperfluoroalkylene units constituting the block (β), and which has a hydrolysable silyl group on at least one terminal of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) via a linking group.
 2. The fluorinated ether compound according to claim 1, wherein a C₁₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group or a C₂₋₆ perfluoroalkyl group having an etheric oxygen atom is bonded via an oxygen atom to the carbon atom at one end of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ), and the hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via the linking group to the oxygen atom at the other end of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ).
 3. The fluorinated ether compound according to claim 2, wherein the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ) is a poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain having a structure of block (α)-block (β), and the hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via the linking group to the oxygen atom of the block (β).
 4. The fluorinated ether compound according to claim 1, wherein the hydrolysable silyl group is bonded via the linking group to each end of the poly(oxyperfluoroalkylene) chain (αβ).
 5. The fluorinated ether compound according to claim 1, which has a number average molecular weight of from 2,000 to 10,000.
 6. The fluorinated ether compound according to claim 1, wherein the block (β) has (CF₂CF₂CF₂CF₂O) units.
 7. A fluorinated ether composition containing at least 95 mass % of the fluorinated ether compound as defined in claim
 1. 8. A coating liquid comprising the fluorinated ether compound as defined in claim 1, and a medium.
 9. The coating liquid according to claim 8, wherein the medium contains at least one organic solvent selected from the group consisting of a fluorinated alkane, a fluorinated aromatic compound and a fluoroalkyl ether.
 10. A method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer, which comprises a step of applying the fluorinated ether compound as defined in claim 1 or a fluorinated ether composition containing at least 95 mass % of the fluorinated ether compound to the surface of a substrate by vacuum deposition.
 11. A method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer, which comprises a step of applying the coating liquid as defined in claim 8 to the surface of a substrate, followed by dying.
 12. The method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer according to claim 11, wherein the method of applying the coating liquid to the surface of the substrate is a spin coating method, a wipe coating method, a spray coating method, a squeegee coating method, a dip coating method, a die coating method, an ink jet method, a flow coating method, a roll coating method, a casting method, a Langmuir-Blodgett method or a gravure coating method.
 13. The method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer according to claim 10, wherein the material for the substrate is a metal, a resin, glass, a ceramic or a composite material thereof.
 14. The method for producing a substrate having a surface-treated layer according to claim 11, wherein the material for the substrate is a metal, a resin, glass, a ceramic or a composite material thereof.
 15. A substrate having a surface-treated layer, obtained by treatment with the fluorinated ether composition as defined in claim
 7. 16. A touch panel having, on its input screen, the substrate having a surface-treated layer, obtained by treatment with the fluorinated ether composition as defined in claim
 7. 